As a 5A tourist attraction in China, Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park features glaciers, primeval forests, snow mountains, hot springs, wildlife and other natural landscapes. In particular, the lowest point of the glacier is only 2850 meters above sea level. It extends into the primary forest for 6 kilometers and form the wonder of the harmonious symbiosis with the forest.
Hailuogou Glacier National Park Facts
- Location: border area of Luding, Kangding, and Ya’an of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, Sichuan Province, China
- Ticket Price: 90 yuan/person for entry; 70 yuan/person for round-trip shuttle bus; 135 yuan/person for cable car
- Opening Time: 7:00-17:30 (no entry at 15:00)
- Recommended Visiting Time: at least 1 day
What to See and Do in Hailuogou Glacier National Park
1. Yanzigou
Located on the eastern side of Gongga Mountain, Yanzigou is famous for its abundant natural landscape and unique ecological environment, including 15 peaks above 6,000 meters, red stones, glaciers, snow mountains, alpine cuckoo bushes, etc. It is also a famous international mountaineering route, and many hiking lovers set up base camps here. There are as many as 400 types of wild animals in the Yanzigou area, such as red panda, antelope, takin, and so on.
2. Hailuogou National Forest Park
Hailuogou Glacier National Park is an ideal place for nature exploration and outdoor activities. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the coexistence of glaciers and forests, China’s highest ice waterfall and endless Lush virgin forests in sight. In addition, Hailuogou Glacier National Park has a hot spring waterfall with temperatures as high as 80℃, which is rare in the world.
In Hailuogou Glacier National Park, you can appreciate the renowned “Golden Snow Mountain” scenery. When the sky is clear, numerous golden rays shine directly on the peaks around the foot of Hailuogou Mountain, forming a picture of unparalleled sight. Hailuogou Glacier National Park is also a multi-ethnic cultural gathering area, where you can feel the charm of Han, Yi, Tibetan, and other ethnic groups’ cultures.
3. Red Rock Park
The stones in Red Rock Park are covered with a layer of red algae, which gives them a bright crimson color. The stream in the park is filled with large red rocks, forming a spectacular scenery, which attracts countless photography enthusiasts to come. In addition, Red Rock Park is also a flora and fauna garden, with more than 4,800 species of animals such as Kangding Magnolia, cuckoo, and red panda, known as “China’s Alpine Botanical Garden”.
4. Four Camps of Hailuogou Glacier National Park
| Camp | Highlights |
| No.1 (1940 m) | Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Kangding magnolia, Crossoptilon harmani, 56℃ hot spring, distant viewing of glacier |
| No.2 (2660 m) | Yew, birch, takin, macaque, 92.5℃ glacier hot spring |
| No.3 (2980 m) | Glacier starting point, Tibetan macaques, large leaf rhododendrons, primitive forest |
| No.4 (3600 m) | Snow lotus, ropeway, ice waterfall, overlooking the main peak of Gongga Mountain |
Best Time to Visit Hailuogou National Park
The best time to visit Hailuogou Glacier National Park is winter and spring, as well as autumn.
Winter (November to February): During this period, you can enjoy wonderful snow scenery with fresh air in Hailuogou Glacier National Park. It is also the best season for hot springs, where you can enjoy the snow views while soaking in the hot springs.
Spring (March-May): You can watch the beautiful scenery of rhododendrons and Kangding magnolias in full bloom.
Autumn (September to November): The climate is cool and comfortable, and the primitive forest leaves turn colorful red or yellow so you can take pictures of gorgeous autumn scenes.
Sichuan Hailuogou Glacier National Park tips:
- It is better to bring oxygen bottles, band-aids, and other medicines because of high-altitude factors.
- You could be exposed to sunshine and under strong ultraviolet rays for a long time, so it is recommended to wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
How to Get to Hailuogou Glacier National Park
If you plan to travel to Hailuogou Glacier National Park in Sichuan, you need to arrive in Chengdu City first whether you take an airplane or train. Then head to the Xinnanmen Bus Station to take a direct bus to Hailuogou Glacier National Park. The bus departs at 9:30 am and the journey takes about 7 hours, with a fare of 135 yuan per person.
There are Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and Chengdu East Railway Station, Chengdu West Railway Station, Chengdu South Railway Station for your reference to arrive at Chengdu.
Attractions nearby Hailuogou National Park
Daocheng Yading: It is a fairytale world of glaciers, meadows, lakes, and snow-capped mountains. You can learn about the Tibetan cultural traditions and beliefs while visiting.
Bifengxia: The Panda Conservation and Research Center in the Bifengxia area is one of the largest and most comprehensive panda conservation institutions in the world. Every day thousands of tourists come to see the lovely pandas.
